Digest for 10 November, 2025
COP30 Climate Summit Opens with Calls for Urgent Action Amid US Absence
The UN's COP30 climate negotiations have begun in Belem, Brazil, with leaders calling for accelerated action and greater cooperation to curb global warming. The summit's president urged nations to unite on the shared task. However, the talks are complicated by the United States, which has not sent high-level negotiators and is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement for a second time. The US is historically the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its absence has been described as damaging to the global effort.
US Government Shutdown Sparks Global Travel Chaos with Thousands of Flight Cancellations
A government shutdown in the United States is causing widespread disruption to air travel, with staff shortages among air traffic controllers leading to thousands of flight cancellations and delays. On Saturday alone, over 1,500 flights were cancelled. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to issue ground stops at major hubs like New York's Newark airport. The crisis, stemming from a budget impasse in Washington, is impacting international travel and threatens to worsen ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday if not resolved.
Assam Cabinet Approves Bill to Ban Polygamy
The Assam state cabinet has approved 'The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025', a significant legislative move to outlaw polygamy. The bill, set to be tabled in the assembly, proposes rigorous imprisonment of up to seven years for those convicted. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also announced the creation of a special fund to provide financial compensation to women who are victims of polygamy, ensuring they do not face hardship. The law may have exceptions for certain Sixth Schedule areas.
Powerful 6.9-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan, Triggering Minor Tsunami
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck off the coast of Iwate prefecture in northern Japan, prompting a tsunami advisory. The quake led to the observation of small tsunami waves, reaching up to 20cm in some ports, but caused no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries. The advisory was lifted after about three hours. Officials have warned that the region, which was devastated by a massive quake and tsunami in 2011, remains at risk for strong aftershocks.
Maldives Inaugurates New International Airport Developed with Indian Assistance
The Maldives has inaugurated the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, a major infrastructure project funded by an $800 million line of credit from India. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called the airport a "gateway to prosperity" for the country's north, expected to boost tourism and economic development. The inauguration, attended by India's Civil Aviation Minister, was hailed as a symbol of strong India-Maldives ties and a key component of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, enhancing regional connectivity and cooperation.